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Koro-like Syndrome beyond Asia: Case Report of a Female from Jos, Nigeria
No full textKoro is a culture-bound syndrome characterized by acute anxiety and the belief that one’s genitalia is retracting into the body, which may lead to death. The syndrome is a culture-bound disorder commonly reported among men in Asia, Koro-like presentations have also been documented globally, with few cases involving women. This paper presents a case report of a 22-year-old single female in Jos, Nigeria, who experienced sudden anxiety and perceived genital disappearance after an encounter with a stranger. Examination of the genitalia by one of the researchers revealed that the genitalia were intact, psychological first aid was provided. Further medical evaluation confirmed that her genitalia were intact. The case is discussed within the framework of anxiety and delusional disorder theories, including the four-factor theory of anxiety, and two-factor theory of delusion, with emphasis on sociocultural influences, observational learning, and cognitive bias. This report underscores the importance of differentiating between culture-bound syndromes and medically verifiable genital pathology, highlights the role of psychoeducation in dispelling harmful beliefs, and calls for public awareness to prevent mob violence against alleged perpetrators of “genital theft.” The findings contribute to cross-cultural psychiatric literature by documenting a rare presentation of Koro-like syndrome in a Nigerian female.
Keywords: Koro-like Syndrome, Asia, Case Report, Female, Jos, Nigeri
The Grammar of Appearance: How Clothing Constructs Identity Narratives
No full textThis study investigates how clothing functions as a ‘grammar of appearance’ through which female undergraduates in Nigeria construct and communicate identity narratives. Drawing on a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 300 respondents across the six geopolitical zones, representing federal, state, and private universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Findings reveal that clothing operates as a symbolic language through which young women express individuality, negotiate cultural expectations, and manage social impressions both offline and within digital spaces. Respondents consistently reported that dress communicates confidence, cultural belonging, social status, and personal values. Cultural norms, peer influences, institutional environments, and increased digital visibility significantly shaped clothing meanings. The study concludes that clothing is a dynamic semiotic system that mediates identity formation in contemporary Nigeria. It recommends culturally sensitive dress policies, enhanced fashion education, and further research on appearance-based identity narratives across broader populations.
Keywords: Clothing, Identity Narratives, Grammar of Appearance, Female Undergraduates, Semiotics, Cultural Meaning, Digital Self-Presentation, Nigeria
Editorial
No full textThis issue of NIU Journal of Humanities touches on Development Administration, Educational Management, Religious Studies as well as Language and Literary Studies.
The first part of the Journal focuses on Development Administration. One of the papers in this section examines the problem of flooding in several communities in Niger State which is becoming more worrisome and provides efforts and strategies at reducing the impact have become more costly with unsatisfactory outcomes. Findings in the study reveal that that various mitigation strategies have been used over the years but without much impact due to poor awareness and community engagement and responses during flood disasters. These consistent findings underscore the need for comprehensive community awareness, engagement and quick responses during flood disasters. It is further suggested that the communities should be productively engaged in the administration of the various flood mitigation strategies for quick and adequate responses during flood disasters.
The second part is on Language and Literary Studies. One the papers in this Section reveals that there are potential problems encountered by students in their bid to get or guess the correct French equivalent of Yoruba idiomatic expressions because of their background in the French language, their non-familiarity with the idiomatic expressions, poor knowledge of the French idiomatic expressions, the degree of the idiomacity. This paper therefore, recommends that there should be a course on French idioms that will expose learners the more to French culture, and conventional phrases that will improve their vocabularies.
One of the papers, in the third section on Educational Management, argues that the School Feeding Programme (SFP) has had a positive impact on pupil enrolment, attendance and academic performance, as perceived and affirmed by the pupils themselves, teachers, and parents. The study therefore, recommends government should ensure that there is an increase in the number and quality of teachers to accommodate the potential increase in enrolment. Additionally, there should be sufficient physical facilities, such as classrooms and other learning spaces, to avoid overcrowding and provide a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning.
Papers in the last section deals with issues in Religious Studies. One the papers in this Section investigates how Islamic principles, legal frameworks, and scholarly connections influenced foreign relations, alliances, and conflict resolution between Sokoto and other Hausa land such as Zauzau, Kano, Rano, Katsina, Daura and other Hausa States. And the Results indicate that Islam acted not only as a spiritual foundation but also as a diplomatic tool that validated authority, governed warfare through the jihad concept, and enabled peaceful resolutions. This paper therefore, suggests that modern African nations reconsider the ethical aspects of Islamic diplomatic traditions such as justice, accountability, and peaceful conflict resolution to enhance contemporary methods of resolving disputes, fostering regional cooperation, and engaging in interfaith dialogue.
On the whole, this issue of NIU Journal of Humanities features many empirical and theoretical based articles which can be of great benefit to every reader
Exploring the Moderating impact of ICT Infrastructure on Trade Openness-Sectoral Growth Nexus in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
No full textThis study examines the moderating role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure in the relationship between trade openness and sectoral growth in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Using balanced panel data for 26 SSA countries from 1992 to 2023, sourced from the Penn World Table, African Development Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank Development Indicators, the analysis employs the Pooled Mean Group–Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PMG/ARDL) approach. Results show that, in the long run, trade openness has a negative and significant impact on agricultural, industrial, and, in most cases, service sector growth. ICT infrastructure positively influences industrial and service sectors but has limited direct effects on agriculture. Interaction terms between trade openness and ICT variables are predominantly negative and significant, suggesting that higher trade openness reduces the growth-enhancing effects of ICT. In the short run, trade openness, ICT, and their interactions are largely insignificant across sectors. Foreign direct investment emerges as a consistent short-term driver of agricultural growth, while labour force dynamics significantly affect short-term industrial and service performance. The findings underscore the need for policies that integrate ICT expansion with complementary infrastructure, skills development, and targeted trade strategies. Strengthening domestic capacity, enhancing productivity, and ensuring inclusive access to ICT can enable trade openness to translate into sustainable growth across sectors in SSA
Editorial
No full textThis edition of NIU Journal of Humanities touches on Youth Advocacy and Pedagogical Instructions, Impact of Orphanage-Based Interventions, Human Resource Management and Artistic Enterprise, Symbology, Identity, and Show as well as Business Paradigm in Contemporary Painting Space.
One of the papers, in this issue, reveals that pedagogical instructions enhanced climate sustainability by equipping youth with appropriate knowledge, skills, and platforms to engage in climate action initiatives. Youth advocacy conclusively, is expected to promote policy changes, community engagement, and sustainable practices while mitigating the impact of climate change. It is therefore, suggested that the holistic and inclusive approach to climate education should foster a generation of climate-conscious and empowered youth who can contribute to a more sustainable future for all.
Another paper also reveals that access to educational resources, teacher quality and availability of school facilities and infrastructures determines Quality Education needed for Economic Growth in Nigeria. It recommends that Government should allocate more funds for public education in order to be accessible to all.
This issue of NIU Journal of Humanities features many empirical and theoretical based articles which can be of great benefit to every reader
The Psychological Toll of Child Marriage on Southwest Nigerian Women and Girls: A Case for Trauma-Informed Interventions
No full textThis study investigates the psychological impact of child marriage on Nigerian women and girls, highlighting the need for trauma-informed interventions. A mixed-methods approach was employed. The population consisted of Nigerian women and girls aged 18-35 who were married before the age of 18. A sample of 300 participants were selected using a combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques. A standardized trauma questionnaire (e.g., Harvard Trauma Questionnaire) and a semi-structured interview guide were used to collect data. The instruments were validated through expert review and pilot testing, and reliability were ensured through Cronbach's alpha coefficient (>0.7). Result in hypothesis one revealed that there is a statistically significant difference in the psychological well-being of Southwest Nigerian women and girls who received trauma-informed interventions and those who did not. Results in hypothesis two revealed that education significantly influence the psychological impact of child marriage on Southwest Nigerian women and girls {F(3, 296) = 4.52, P = 0.0004}. Results in hypothesis three revealed that there is a significant positive correlation between the duration of child marriage and the level of trauma symptoms experienced by Southwest Nigerian women and girls (r = 0.42, p = 0.001). The study concluded that education level significantly influenced the psychological impact of child marriage, and longer durations of child marriage are associated with higher trauma symptoms among Southwest Nigerian women and girls. The study recommended the implementation of trauma-informed interventions and the promotion of girls’ education to mitigate the psychological effects of child marriage and reduce its prevalence.
Keywords: Child marriage, trauma, psychological impact, Nigerian women and girls, trauma-informed interventions
Perceived Relationship between the Use of Psychological Aids and Athletic Performance of University of Benin Student Athletes
No full textPsychological aids play a crucial role in enhancing athletic performance by improving focus, motivation, stress management, and overall mental preparedness. This study examines the influence of psychological aids on the perceived performance of Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) athletes at the University of Benin. The research focuses on psychological techniques such as mental imagery, self-talk, relaxation exercises, and goal setting, assessing their impact on student-athletes' performance. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study, with a total population of 268 NUGA athletes. Using a simple random sampling technique, 137 student-athletes were selected. A self-structured questionnaire, validated by experts in Human Kinetics and Sports Science, served as the primary data collection instrument. The reliability of the instrument was established using test for internal consistency, yielding a cronbach alpha value of 0.81. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation). Findings from the research indicate that student-athletes possess a high level of awareness of psychological aids, and their application significantly enhances sports performance. Techniques such as mental imagery, relaxation exercises, and self-talk were found to improve focus, reduce anxiety, and boost confidence. However, challenges such as limited access to sports psychologists and inadequate training on mental skills were identified as barriers to optimal utilization. The study recommends the integration of psychological training into sports programs, increased awareness campaigns, and the provision of professional psychological support to athletes. These interventions will contribute to enhanced athletic performance, mental resilience, and overall sports success among university athletes.
Keywords: Perceived Relationship, Psychological Aids, Athletic Performance
Digital Pattern Business Models as Sustainable Practices and Challenges faced by Student Fashion Entrepreneurs in Lagos State, Nigeria
No full textThe study was on digital pattern business models as sustainable practices and challenges faced by student fashion entrepreneurs in Lagos state Nigeria was conducted among 200 fashion design students from Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos. Two (2) research questions and two (2) hypotheses guided the study. It was a descriptive survey, the instrument for the data collection was a structured questionnaire containing 30 questions which was further subjected to face validity by two experts. The data collected was analyzed using mean, and Chi-square. The result revealed 192 (96) respondents answered yes, pattern cutting and marking has been digitized, 152 (76) answered yes, they have digitized their pattern production in case of pandemic. 194 (97) answered yes, there are digital business models for pattern cutters and markers. Majority answered yes, there is freemium, training and workshop, software, e-commerce, crowd funding etcetera. 197 (98.5) answered yes, there was lack of internet service. 160 (80) answered yes, soft and hardware were not available, and affordable. 156 (78) answered yes, lack of qualified technologists was a challenge. 128 (64) there was irregular power supply. 125 (62.5) answered yes, traditional model pattern cutting and marking were preferable. 196 (98) answered yes, this is the digital era. In conclusion, for digital business practice model to be a sustainable practice, the following were recommended. Production of soft and hardware for pattern cutting and marking should be made home grown, as well as good internet provider and constant electricity.
Keywords: Challenges, Digital Business Models, Entrepreneur, Pattern Cutters, Sustainable Practic
Microcredit and Gendered Pathways to Inclusive Growth: Evidence from Women Entrepreneurs in Rural and Urban Nigeria
No full textEliminating deep-rooted gender inequality in access to finance and productive resources is a key issue that requires consideration when promoting inclusive growth in Nigeria. This paper analyzes how microcredit has affected the entrepreneurial performance of women in rural and urban areas, with a specific focus on the generation of income, the survival of the business, and domestic welfare. Using a mixed-method design, which includes survey data collected in the microfinance institutions and a qualitative interview, the study examines the contextual variables, social networks, and institutional intermediaries that mediate the impacts of small-scale credit. The evidence shows that microcredit would enable women to expand their businesses, accumulate assets, and make independent decisions, especially in urban areas where market connectivity and financial literacy are relatively high. On the other hand, women in rural areas still face the structural disadvantages of a high cost of transactions, inefficient collateral, and inadequate institutional coverage that reduce the developmental advantage that should be enjoyed through microfinance. The comparison of these two opposing courses of action leads to the suggestion that inclusive growth cannot be achieved by simply providing credit, but rather by the creation of gender sensitive financial systems, enhancing rural infrastructure, and continuing institutional reforms. When placed within the larger context of development in Nigeria, the study provides novel empirical information on the gendered processes in which financial inclusion can revolutionize the economy regarding equity and sustainability.
Keywords: Gender, Inclusive Growth, Microcredit, Women Entrepreneu
Digital Content Strategy and Customer Engagement Among Micro and Small Enterprises in Urban and Peri-Urban Africa
No full textMicro and small enterprises (MSEs) represent vital engines of inclusive growth in sub-Saharan Africa, yet many struggle to translate mobile technology adoption into sustained customer engagement. This cross-sectional study examined how digital content strategies influence customer engagement among 2,129 MSEs across eight African countries (Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Côte d’Ivoire). Utilising descriptive and multiple regression analyses on a multi-country dataset, the research investigated the effects of content formats (text, video, local language) and the moderating role of digital literacy training. Findings reveal that local-language content (β = 0.087, p < .01) and video-rich formats (β = 0.049, p < .05) are the strongest predictors of customer engagement, significantly outperforming posting frequency or multi-platform presence. Digital literacy training emerged as a significant moderator (β = 0.084, p < .01), amplifying the positive impact of sophisticated content approaches, while reliable internet access further strengthened these relationships. The results showed that engagement in mobile-dominant African markets depends primarily on cultural resonance and media richness rather than activity volume. Theoretically, the study extends media richness and technology acceptance frameworks by integrating localisation and human-capital contingencies in resource-constrained settings. Practically, MSE owners should prioritise vernacular communication, short-form video production, and accessible training programmes, whereas policymakers must scale digital literacy initiatives to enhance inclusive economic outcomes.
Keywords: Digital Content Strategy, Customer Engagement, Micro and Small Enterprises, Local Language Content, Video Content, Digital Literacy Training, Sub-Saharan Afric